Container for food processing system

ABSTRACT

An attachment for use with a food processing system is provided. The attachment includes a container body having a sidewall, a first end configured to be mounted to a food processing base, and a second end remote from the first end. The first end being open and the second end being partially closed. The attachment further includes a first agitating member including one or more blades. The first agitating member is receivable at the first end. The attachment also includes a second agitating member receivable at the second end including a fluid agitator. The fluid agitator is configured to direct a fluid to one or more regions of the container body.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 63/280,351, filed Nov. 17, 2021, entitled CONTAINER FORFOOD PROCESSING SYSTEM, the entire contents of which are incorporatedherein by reference for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a blender and, moreparticularly, to a container of a blender configured to receive one ormore food items therein.

BACKGROUND

Blenders are commonly used to process many different food products,including liquids, solids, semi-solids, gels and the like. It iswell-known that blenders are useful devices for blending, cutting, anddicing food products in a wide variety of commercial settings, includinghome kitchen use, professional restaurant or food services use, andlarge-scale industrial use. They offer a convenient alternative tochopping or dicing by hand, and often come with a range of operationalsettings and modes adapted to provide specific types or amounts of foodprocessing, e.g., as catered to particular food products.

When blending thick or frozen ingredients, the ingredients will oftenstick to the sidewalls of the container, resulting in areas ofunprocessed food. This accumulation at the sidewalls of the container,also known as cavitation, occurs because the ingredients are too thickto form a vortex within the container which typically facilitatesmovement of the ingredients towards a food processing blade during ablending operation. Accordingly, there is a need for efficient andunobtrusive ways to release accumulated ingredients along the sidewallsfor further processing during blending operations.

SUMMARY

The application, in various implementations, addresses deficienciesassociated with the performance of blenders to produce more uniformprocessed food.

This application, in some implementations, describes an exemplaryattachment for a food processing system that can blend thick and frozeningredients and minimize the accumulation of the ingredients on thesidewalls of the container, resulting in more uniform processed food. Inone configuration, the attachment includes a pump configured to direct afluid, e.g., air, toward the sidewalls and/or blades. The pump isarranged to take in the fluid via an inlet when an actuator is extendedand/or pulled up which, in some configurations, fills a pump reservoir.If the ingredients stick to or accumulate on the sidewalls of thecontainer, a user can actuate and/or press down on the actuator to expelthe fluid in the pump chamber via an outlet into a region of theinterior chamber of the container. Such an action releases theingredients from the sidewalls to be processed again to form a uniformfood product. A user-operated and/or actuated fluid agitation system ormethod provides at least a technical advantage of enabling moreefficient, yet less obtrusive, releasing of ingredients from a sidewallduring the blending process.

In one aspect, an attachment for use with a food processing systemincludes a container body having a sidewall, a first end configured tobe mounted to a food processing base, and a second end remote from thefirst end. The first end is open and the second end is partially closed.The attachment further includes a first agitating member including oneor more blades which is receivable at the first end. In addition, theattachment includes a second agitating member receivable at the secondend. The second agitating member includes a fluid agitator configured todirect a fluid to one or more portions of the container body.

In some implementations, the one or more portions of the container bodyincludes at least one of the sidewall, the first agitating member, thesecond agitating member, the first end, and the second end. The fluidagitator may include a pump. The fluid agitator may include a manualactuator to direct the fluid to the one or more regions. In someimplementations, the fluid agitator includes a diaphragm. The fluid mayinclude air, water, and/or an ingredient-derived or related fluid suchas milk, juice, coffee, and so on.

In some implementations, the fluid agitator includes an electronicactuator to direct the fluid to the one or more regions. The fluidagitator may include an inlet in fluid communication with an exterioratmosphere surrounding the container body. The inlet is in fluidcommunication with a chamber the container body. In one implementation,the chamber is defined by the container body.

In some implementations, the one or more blades of the first agitatingmember include a first plurality of holes configured to expel fluidtoward the sidewall to release food from the sidewall. The secondagitating member may include a blade and/or paddle. The blade and/orpaddle may include a second plurality of holes configured to direct thefluid toward the chamber.

In another aspect, an attachment for use with a food processing systemincludes a container body having a sidewall, a first end configured tobe mounted to a food processing base, and a second end remote from thefirst end. The first end is open and the second end includes an end walloriented transverse to the sidewall making a unitary structure. Theattachment further includes a chamber defined by the container body anda first agitating member including one or more blades and receivable atthe first end. Further, the attachment includes a second agitatingmember receivable at the second end. The second agitating memberincludes a fluid agitator configured to direct a fluid to one or moreregions of the chamber of the container body.

In some implementations, the fluid agitator includes an inlet in fluidcommunication with an exterior atmosphere surrounding the containerbody. The inlet may be in fluid communication with a chamber thecontainer body. The one or more blades of the first agitating member mayinclude a first plurality of holes configured to expel fluid toward thesidewall to release food from the sidewall. The second agitating membermay include a blade and/or paddle. The blade and/or paddle may include asecond plurality of holes configured to direct the fluid toward thechamber. The fluid agitator may include a pump. This application,various implementations, describes an exemplary attachment for a foodprocessing system that can blend thick or frozen ingredients and/orminimize the accumulation of the ingredients to the sidewalls of thecontainer, resulting in more uniform processed food. In someimplementations, the attachment includes a vibrator to vibrate thecontainer while the food is being processed to loosen or scrapeingredients that are stuck to the sidewalls of the container. Further,the attachment may include a motor on top that automatically rotates anagitator including paddles or blades in one or more directions duringoperations of the food processor. Such an action releases theingredients from the sidewalls to be processed again to form a uniformfood product. Motor-operated or spring-actuated fluid agitation systemsor methods provide at least a technical advantage of enabling moreefficient, yet less obtrusive, releasing of ingredients from a sidewallduring the blending process.

In a further aspect, an attachment for use with a food processing systemincludes a container body having a sidewall, a first end configured tobe mounted to a food processing base, and a second end remote from thefirst end. The first end is open and the second end includes an end walloriented transverse to the sidewall making a unitary structure. Theattachment further includes a chamber defined by the container body anda first agitating member including one or more blades and receivable atthe first end. Further, the attachment includes a fluid agitator locatedat an exterior of the chamber and configured to direct a fluid to one ormore regions of the chamber of the container body.

This application, various implementations, also describes an exemplaryattachment for a food processing system that can blend thick or frozeningredients and/or minimize the accumulation of the ingredients to thesidewalls of the container, resulting in more uniform processed food. Insome implementations, the attachment includes a vibrator to vibrate thecontainer while the food is being processed to loosen or scrapeingredients that are stuck to the sidewalls of the container. Further,the attachment may include a motor on top that automatically rotates anagitator including paddles or blades in one or more directions duringoperations of the food processor. Such an action releases theingredients from the sidewalls to be processed again to form a uniformfood product. Motor-operated or spring-actuated fluid agitation systemsor methods provide at least a technical advantage of enabling moreefficient, yet less obtrusive, releasing of ingredients from a sidewallduring the blending process.

In one aspect, an attachment for use with a food processing systemincludes a container body having a sidewall, a first end configured tobe mounted to a food processing base, and a second end remote from thefirst end. The first end is open and the second end includes an end walloriented transverse to the sidewall to make a unitary structure. Theattachment further includes a first agitator having one or more bladeswhich are receivable at the first end. Also, the attachment includes asecond agitator receivable at the second end. The second agitator isextendable into the chamber through the second end. Further, theattachment includes an electric motor operably coupled to the secondagitator such that the second agitator rotates in response to rotationof the electric motor. The electric motor rotates in a first directionduring a first period of operation of the food processing system androtates in a second direction opposite the first direction during asecond period of operation of the food processing system.

In some implementations, the electric motor may be located exterior ofthe container body. The electric motor may be coupled to the secondagitator via a drive shaft such that a portion of the second agitator ispositioned within the chamber. One rotation of the electric motor maycorrespond to one rotation of the second agitator. The electric motormay be coupled to the second agitator via a plurality of gears. Theplurality of gears may enable one rotation of the electric motor tocorrespond to less than one rotation of the second agitating member. Theplurality of gears may enable one rotation of the electric motor tocorrespond to more than one rotation of the second agitating member. Thedrive shaft of the electric motor may include at least one tooth engagedwith a lock. The second end may be closed to the surrounding environmentby the device.

In another aspect, an attachment for use with a food processing system,includes a container body having a sidewall, a first end configured tobe mounted to a food processing base, and a second end remote from thefirst end. The first end is open and the second end is at leastpartially closed. Further, the attachment includes a first agitatorhaving one or more blades that is receivable at the first end. Inaddition, the attachment includes a vibrator in contact with thecontainer body. The vibrator is configured to vibrate the container bodyat least during a part of an operation of the food processing system.

In some implementations, the vibrator includes a sonic vibrator. Thevibrator may include a piezo electric crystal. The vibrator may includean eccentric rotating mass (ERM) actuator. The vibrator may be locatedon the sidewall. The vibrator may be located at the second end exteriorof the container body. The vibrator may be connected to the foodprocessing base.

In a further aspect, an attachment for use with a food processing systemincludes a container body having a sidewall, a first end configured tobe mounted to a food processing base, and a second end remote from thefirst end. The first end is open and the second end is at leastpartially closed. The second end includes an end wall that is orientedtransverse to the sidewall to make a unitary structure. Further, theattachment includes a first agitator having one or more blades that isreceivable at the first end. The first agitator is arranged to rotate ina first direction. The attachment also includes a second agitatorreceivable at the second end and a rotatable shaft coupled to the firstagitator that is arranged to rotate in the first direction. In addition,the attachment includes a mainspring that is operably coupled to theshaft and the second agitator. The mainspring is rotated in the firstdirection into a compressed configuration in response to the rotation ofthe shaft in the first direction. Also, the mainspring rotates in asecond direction opposite the first direction and unwinds toward adecompressed configuration after the shaft stops rotating in the firstdirection to, thereby, rotate the second agitator in the seconddirection.

In some implementations, the mainspring resides within a spring housingadjacent to the second agitator. The spring housing may be integrallyformed with a portion of the second agitator. The spring housing may bedetachably connectable to the second agitator. The mainspring may beconnected to the shaft via a slipping clutch. The slipping clutch mayinclude a bridle ring. The shaft may operably couple the first agitatorto the second agitator.

This application, in various implementations, also describes anexemplary attachment for a food processing system that can blend thickor frozen ingredients and/or minimize the accumulation of theingredients to the sidewalls of the container, resulting in more uniformprocessed food. In one configuration, the attachment includes at leastone flexible paddle connected to the cutting blades that rotatesconcurrently while the cutting blades rotate to loosen or scrapeingredients that are stuck to the sidewalls of the container. Therefore,those unprocessed ingredients will move toward the cutting blades to beprocessed again, enabling a more efficient release of ingredients from asidewall during the blending process.

In one aspect, the application includes an exemplary attachment for afood processing system that includes a spiral and/or helical structurewhich is extendable through the container and is connected to thecutting blades. The spiral structure has various diameters from one endto the other end to create turbulent flow while rotating concurrently asthe cutting blades rotate during operations of the food processingsystem. Such an action releases ingredients from the sidewalls to beprocessed again to form a uniform food product.

In another aspect, an attachment for use with a food processing systemincludes a container body having a sidewall, a first end configured tobe mounted to a food processing base, and a second end remote from thefirst end. The first end is open and the second end is at leastpartially closed. Further, the attachment includes a first agitatorhaving one or more blades and a second agitator. The second agitatorincludes one or more flexible sections and is extendable through thecontainer body. The first agitator and the second agitator are connectedto each other and are receivable at the first end.

In some implementations, the second end of the container body isentirely closed to a surrounding and/or ambient environment. The secondend may include an end wall oriented transverse to said sidewall. Theone or more flexible sections of the second agitator may include atleast one paddle. The at least one paddle may be in contact with thesidewall.

In some implementations, the second agitator extends along the sidewallof the container body. The second agitator may be configured to removeat least a portion of a food attached to the sidewall during operationof the food processing system. The second agitator may be configured tostir a food during the operation of the food processing system. Theattachment may further include a motor to activate and/or rotate thefirst agitator and/or the second agitator. The first agitator and thesecond agitator may operate concurrently and/or simultaneously.

In a further aspect, an attachment for use with a food processing systemincludes a container body having a sidewall, a first end configured tobe mounted to a food processing base, and a second end remote from thefirst end. The first end is open and the second end is at leastpartially closed. Further, the attachment includes a first agitatorhaving one or more blades and a second agitator including a spiralstructure. The second agitator is extendable through the container body.The first agitator and the second agitator are receivable at the firstend.

In some implementations, the spiral structure has a larger diameter nearthe first end and smaller diameter near the second end. In certainimplementations, a diameter of the spiral structure increases from thefirst end as it extends toward the second end. In other implementations,a diameter of the spiral structure decreases from the first end as itextends toward the second end. The second agitator may include a firstportion close to the first end, a middle portion having the spiralstructure, and a third portion close to the second end.

In some implementations, the second end of the container body isentirely closed to a surrounding and/or ambient environment. The secondagitator may be configured to stir a food during the operation of thefood processing system. The second agitator may be configured to removeat least a portion of a food attached to the sidewall by providing aturbulent flow in the container during operation of the food processingsystem. The attachment may include a connector to connect the firstmember, the second agitator, and the base. The attachment may furtherinclude a motor to activate the first member and the second agitator.

Any two or more of the features described in this specification,including in this summary section, may be combined to formimplementations not specifically described in this specification.Furthermore, while this specification may refer to examples of systems,methods, and devices related to food processors, such techniques alsoapply equally to other types of ingredient or material blendingtechniques.

The details of one or more implementations are set forth in theaccompanying drawings and the following description. Other features andadvantages will be apparent from the description and drawings, and fromthe claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a front view of an example of a food processing system;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an example of a base of the foodprocessing system;

FIG. 3 is a sectioned view of an attachment connectable to the base ofthe food processing system;

FIG. 4 is a front view of an attachment connectable to the base of thefood processing system;

FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E and 5F are various views of different agitatingmembers suitable for use with the attachment;

FIG. 6 is a front view of an attachment including a rotatable dial;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a lock associated with the agitatingmember;

FIG. 8A includes various views of a lock associated with the agitatingmember in a neutral or extended position;

FIG. 8B includes various views of a lock associated with the agitatingmember in a retracted position;

FIG. 9 is a front view of an attachment including a rotatable andtranslatable manual input device;

FIG. 10 is a front view of an attachment including a rotatable andtranslatable manual input device;

FIG. 11 is a front view of an attachment including an agitating memberthat is separable from the manual input device and the container;

FIG. 12 is a detailed cross-sectional view of the interface between theagitating member and the manual input device;

FIG. 13 is a front view of an attachment including an agitating memberthat is separable from the manual input device and the container;

FIG. 14 is a detailed cross-sectional view of the interface between theagitating member and the shaft;

FIG. 15 is a front view of an attachment including an agitating memberthat is separable from the manual input device and the container;

FIG. 16 is a front view of an attachment including an agitating memberthat is separable from the manual input device and the container;

FIG. 17 is a front view of an attachment including an agitating member;

FIG. 17A is a front view of an attachment including a cap member;

FIG. 18 is a front view of an attachment including an agitating memberpositioned in overlapping arrangement with the cutting assembly;

FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view of an attachment including anagitating member positionable in overlapping arrangement with thecutting assembly;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a food processing system including anagitating member positioned in overlapping arrangement with the cuttingassembly;

FIG. 21 is a front view of an attachment including a displacement memberin a first configuration;

FIG. 22 is a front view of the attachment of FIG. 21 when thedisplacement member is in a second configuration;

FIG. 23A is a front view of an attachment including a fluid agitatorand/or pump;

FIG. 23B is a front view of an attachment including a fluid agitatorand/or pump;

FIG. 23C is a zoomed-in side view of a sidewall and fluid channel of theattachment of FIG. 23B;

FIG. 24 is a front view of the fluid agitator and/or pump of FIGS.23A-C;

FIG. 25 is a front view of an attachment including a fluid agitatorand/or a pump according to an implementation;

FIG. 26 is a front view of a fluid agitator and/or a pump according toan implementation;

FIG. 27 is a front view of an attachment including a device;

FIG. 28A is a front view of an attachment including a vibrator;

FIG. 28B is a zoomed-in side view of the vibrator of the attachment ofFIG. 28A;

FIG. 29 is a front view of an attachment including a vibrator;

FIG. 30 is a front view of an attachment including a vibrator;

FIG. 31A is a perspective view of a DC motor;

FIG. 31B is an exploded view of the Dc motor of FIG. 31A;

FIG. 32 side view of a food processor system including an attachmenthaving a spring driven second agitator; and

FIG. 33 is a top down view of a main spring within a spring housingarranged to drive the rotation of the second agitator of FIG. 32 ;

FIG. 34 is a front view of another example of a food processing system;

FIG. 35 is a perspective view of an example of a base of the foodprocessing system;

FIG. 36 is a front view of an attachment connectable to the base of thefood processing system;

FIG. 37 is a front view of an attachment connectable to the base of thefood processing system;

FIG. 38A is a front view of an example of a food processing system;

FIG. 38B is a front view of an attachment connectable to the base of thefood processing system of FIG. 5A;

FIG. 39 is a front view of an attachment connectable to the base of thefood processing system; and

FIGS. 40A-40C are examples of a second agitator of an attachmentconnectable to the base of the food processing system of FIG. 39 .

The detailed description explains implementations of the invention,together with advantages and features, by way of example with referenceto the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2 , an example of a multi-functional foodprocessing system 20 is illustrated. In general, the food processingsystem 20 can be adapted to perform any food processing or blendingoperation including as non-limiting examples, dicing, chopping, cutting,slicing, mixing, blending, stirring, crushing, or the like. Although thefood processing system illustrated and described herein is a personalblender system, other food processing systems are within the scope ofthe present disclosure.

The food processing system 20 includes a food processing base 22 havinga body or housing 24 within which a drive unit (not shown) and at leastone controller not shown) are located. The drive unit includes at leastone rotary component, such as a drive coupler 26 (see FIG. 2 ) forexample, driven by a motorized unit (not shown) located within thehousing 24. The food processing base 22 may additionally include acontrol panel or user interface 28 (best shown in FIG. 1 ) having one ormore inputs 29 for turning the motorized unit on and off and forselecting various modes of operation, such as pulsing, blending, orcontinuous food processing. However, implementations where the foodprocessing system 20 does not include a user interface, such as wherethe food processing system 20 is operable via an application andimplementations where the application of a force to a switch or othercomponent formed in the food processing base 22 (is sufficient toinitiate operation of the motorized unit such as in push to operatesystems) for example, are also within the scope of the disclosure. Theat least one drive coupler 26 is configured to engage a portion of anattachment 30 coupled to the food processing base 22 for the processingof food products located within an interior of the attachment 30. Thiswill become more apparent in subsequent FIGs. and discussion.

One or more attachments 30 varying in size and/or functionality may beconfigured for use with the food processing base 22. An example of anattachment 30 suitable for use with the food processing base 22 isillustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4 . As shown, the attachment 30 includes aninverted jar or container 32. The container 32 typically includes a bodyhaving a first open end 34, a second closed end 36, and one or moresidewalls 38 extending between the first end 34 and the second end 36.The sidewalls 38 in combination with one or more of the ends 34, 36 ofthe container 32 define a hollow interior or processing chamber 40 ofthe container 32. In an implementation, the container 32 is a “personalblending container” or “cup” that has a first configuration whenseparated from the food processing base 22 and a second invertedconfiguration when coupled to the food processing base 22.

In such implementations, the attachment 30 further includes a firstagitating member 42, such as a cutting assembly, configured to removablycouple to the first open end 34 of the container 32 to seal theprocessing chamber 40. In the illustrated, non-limiting implementation,the cutting assembly 42 includes a body 44 and one or more blades 46rotatable about an axis X relative to the body 44. When the cuttingassembly 42 is connected to the end 34 of the container 32, the firstagitating member including the least one blade 46 is disposed within theprocessing chamber 40 of the container 32. The container 32 and thecutting assembly 42 may be threadably coupled together; however, itshould be understood that other mechanisms for removably connecting thecontainer 32 and the cutting assembly 42, such as a bayonet connectionor a clip for example, are also contemplated herein.

In each of the various attachment configurations, the cutting assembly42 is configured to operably couple to the food processing base 22 ofthe food processing system 20. A driven coupler 48 (see FIG. 3 )associated with the cutting assembly 42 is positioned at an exterior ofthe attachment 30. The at least one drive coupler 26 is configured toengage the driven coupler 48 to rotate the at least one blade 46 aboutthe axis X to process the food products located within the chamber 40 ofthe container 32. It should be understood that the attachment 30including an inverted container 32 and a cutting assembly 42 is intendedas an example only, and that other attachments, are also contemplatedherein.

In implementations where the attachment 30 includes an invertedcontainer 32, the attachment 30 may include one or more contact members49 (FIG. 3 ), such as tabs for example, positioned about the peripheryof the attachment 30. It should be understood that an attachment 30having any number of contact members 49 is within the scope of thedisclosure. In implementations where the attachment 30 includes aninverted container 32 the contact members 49 may extend outwardly fromthe container 32, the cutting assembly 42, or both.

The contact members 49 of the attachment 30 are configured to cooperatewith a mounting area 50 (see FIG. 2 ) of the food processing base 22 tocouple the attachment 30 to the food processing base 22. As shown, themounting area 50 includes one or more receiving slots 52 within whicheach of the plurality of contact members 49 of the attachment 30 isreceivable. The attachment 30 may be configured to slidably connect tothe food processing base 22 of the food processing system 20.Alternatively, or in addition, the attachment 30 may be configured torotatably connect to the food processing base 22 such that theattachment 30 is locked relative to the food processing base 22.However, it should be understood that any suitable mechanism forcoupling the attachment to the food processing base 22 is within thescope of the disclosure.

With continued reference to FIGS. 3 and 4 , and further reference toFIGS. reference now to FIGS. 5-16 , an attachment 30 of the foodprocessing system 20 suitable for use to process a thick or frozenmixture is described in more detail. As shown, the attachment 30includes a second agitating member 60 at least partially disposed withinthe processing chamber 40 of the container 32. As shown, this additionalsecond agitating member 60 includes a shaft 62 extending through thesecond, sealed end 36 of the container 32. As a result, the secondagitating member 60 is arranged opposite the open end 34 of thecontainer 32, and therefore the cutting assembly 42 disposed at the openend 34 of the container 32. The second agitating member 60 is coupled tothe shaft 62 such that the shaft 62 drives rotation of the secondagitating member 60 about an axis of rotation axis Y. Although the shaft62 is described herein as being a part of the agitating member 60, inother implementations, the shaft 62 may be separate from the agitatingmember 60. Axis Y may but need not be coaxial with axis X of the cuttingassembly 42.

Any suitable second agitating member 60 is contemplated herein. In theillustrated, non-limiting implementations, the second agitating member60 includes a base 64 mountable about the shaft 62 and having at leastone prong or paddle 66 extending at a nonparallel angle from the base64, such as towards the open end 34 of the container 32. The base 64 andthe one or more paddles 66 may be integrally formed as a unitarystructure, or alternatively, may be multiple components connectedtogether to form the second agitating member 60. Further, the base 64and/or the paddles 66 may be integrally formed with the shaft 62, oralternatively, may be removably mounted thereto. Although the secondagitating member 60 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 includes two paddles 66, itshould be understood that any suitable number of paddles, such as asingle paddle, or alternatively, three, four (see FIGS. 5C and 5E),five, or more paddles 66 are within the scope of the disclosure.Further, the paddles 66 may be spaced equidistantly about the axis ofrotation Y or may be staggered based on a desired operation.

Examples of various configurations of a second agitating member 60 areillustrated in FIGS. 5A-5F. As shown, the paddles 66 of the secondagitating member 60 may have any contour or shape and may extend overonly a portion of the length of the container 32, or alternatively, overthe substantially entire length of the container 32. When a paddle 66extends over the entire length of the container 32, the distal end ofthe paddle 66 may be located directly adjacent the body 44 of thecutting assembly 42. In implementations where one or more of the paddles66 overlap the at least one blade 46 of the cutting assembly 42, such asin FIGS. 5D and 5E, the paddles 66 may be disposed radially outward ofthe at least one blade 46 to avoid interference therewith. Further, whenthe second agitating member 60 has multiple paddles 66, theconfiguration of the paddles 66 may be substantially identical or mayvary. In some implementations, as shown in FIG. 5B, a portion of thepaddles 66 located remotely from the base 64, such as near the distalend of the paddles 66 for example, may be joined together to enhance thestability or rigidity of the paddles 66 as the second agitating member60 is rotated. However, in other implementations, the paddles 66 areonly connected to one another via the base 64.

A clearance defined between the one or more paddles 66 of the secondagitating member 60 and the sidewall 38 of the container 32 may beselected to prevent large food particles from becoming trapped betweenthe second agitating member 60 and the sidewall 38. In animplementation, at least a portion of one of the paddles 66 has an anglegenerally complementary to the sidewall 38 of the container 32. As aresult, when the second agitating member 60 is positioned within thecontainer 32, the paddle 66 and the sidewall 38 may be parallel to oneanother, with only a minimal clearance defined there between. Further,by designing one or more of the paddles 66 to match a contour of theadjacent portion of the container 32, the second agitating member 60 mayonly be insertable into the processing chamber 40 when in a specificorientation. As a result, incorrect installation of the second agitatingmember 60 may be avoided. However, in other implementations, at least aportion of one of the paddles 66 may be arranged at a non-parallel anglerelative to the interior of the sidewall 38 of the container 32. Anon-parallel orientation may be used be used to eject food and limit orprevent scraping of the interior of the sidewall 38.

In an implementation, best shown in FIG. 5F, a wiper or scraper 68extends radially outwardly from one or more surfaces of the secondagitating member 60 facing an adjacent surface of the container 32. Inthe illustrated, non-limiting implementation, a wiper 68 is arranged atthe exterior of each paddle 66. However, implementations where a wiper68 is formed at only a single paddle 66, or at the base 64 of the secondagitating member 60 are also contemplated herein. Alternatively, or inaddition, one or more ribs 70 may extend radially inwardly from the oneor more paddles 66 of the second agitating member 60. Although the rib70 shown in FIG. 3 is connected to the base 64 and extends over thesubstantially entire height of the paddle 66, implementations where therib 70 extends over only a portion of the height of the paddle 66, andimplementations where the rib 70 is located at any position relative tothe paddle 66 and does not connect to the base 64 are also within thescope of the disclosure.

To retain the second agitating member 60 at a desired position withinthe chamber 40, a mounting member 71 may be connected to a portion ofthe container 32, such as an exterior 11 of the second end 36 forexample. The mounting member 71 includes a through hole (not shown)configured to receive a portion of the shaft 62. When coupled to thecontainer 32, the mounting member 71 is rigidly affixed to the body ofthe container 32. Accordingly, the second agitating member 60 isconfigured to rotate about the axis Y relative to the stationarymounting member 71. The mounting member 71 may be connected to thecontainer body via any suitable means, such as via one or more fastenersfor example.

In an implementation, the second agitating member 60 is manuallyoperated via an input from a user. As shown, a manual input device 72,such as a dial or cap for example, is operably coupled to the secondagitating member 60 and/or the shaft 62 about which the second agitatingmember 60 is mounted. The manual input device 72 is connected to theshaft 62 at a location external to the container 32. In the non-limitingimplementations illustrated in FIGS. 1, 3-4 and 6 , the manual inputdevice 72 and the second agitating member 60 are disposed on oppositesides of the mounting member 71. However, in other implementations, theattachment 30 may not have the mounting member 71 and the manual inputdevice 72 may be located near or directly adjacent to the second sealedend 36 of the container 32. Further, it should be understood that amounting member 71 may additionally be included in any of theimplementations of the attachments 30 illustrated and described herein.

In an implementation, illustrated in FIG. 6 , the manual input device 72is rotatable in one or more directions to drive rotation of the secondagitating member 60 about axis Y to “scrape” or loosen food stuck at thesidewall 38 of the container 32. Alternatively, or in addition, in someimplementations, the manual input device 72 may be operable to translatethe second agitating member 60 along the axis Y, such as to push fooddownwardly towards the cutting assembly 42. In such implementations, themanual input device 72 may be threadably coupled to the container 32(see FIG. 9 ), such that rotation of the manual input device 72 causesthe second agitating member 60 to not only rotate but also translate,resulting in movement of the second agitating member 60 along a helicalpath. In other implementations, as shown in FIG. 10 , the manual inputdevice 72 may be movably mounted to the container 32 using a biasingmechanism (not shown). Accordingly, when a downward force is applied tothe manual input device 72, the second agitating member 60 movesdownwardly, away from the second end 36 of the container 32, towards thefirst end 34 of the container 32. When the force is released from themanual input device 72, the biasing force of the biasing mechanism,causes the manual input device 72 and therefore the second agitatingmember 60 to translate upwardly along the Y axis towards a neutralposition, such as adjacent the second end 36 of the container 32.

The manual input device 72 may be directly connected to the secondagitating member 60 such that a single turn of the manual input device72 results in a corresponding single turn of the second agitating member60. However, implementations where the manual input device 72 isindirectly coupled to the second agitating member 60, such as via agearing mechanism, are also within the scope of the disclosure. In suchimplementations, a single turn of the manual input device 72 may resultin several turns of the second agitating member, or alternatively, lessthan one turn of the second agitating member 60.

In an implementation, the second agitating member 60 does not moveduring operation of the cutting assembly 42. To prevent undesiredmovement of the second agitating member 60 relative to the container 32during operation of the cutting assembly 42, the attachment 30 mayfurther include a lock 76 operably coupled to the second agitatingmember 60. In an implementation, the lock 76 includes a ratchet or aone-way clutch device associated with the shaft 62 and/or the manualinput device 72. In such implementations, the ratchet 76 may be aseparate device mounted to the second end of the container 32, such asbetween the container 32 and the manual input device 72, as shown inFIG. 7 . Alternatively, the features of the ratchet 76 may be integrallyformed into the second end 36 of the container 32 (see FIGS. 8A and 8B).As shown in FIG. 7 , the one or more ratchet teeth 78 extend from themanual input device 72 for engagement with the grooves 80 of the ratchet76 mounted at the second end of the container 32. As a result of theconfiguration of the grooves 80 and the teeth 78, the ratchet 76restricts rotation of the manual input device 72, shaft 62, and secondagitating member 60 in a first direction about the axis Y. In suchimplementations, during operation, the cutting assembly 42 may beconfigured to rotate about axis X in the direction of restrictedrotation of the second agitating member 60 about axis Y. Further, whenthe manual input device 72 is rotated in the second, allowable directionabout the axis Y, the engagement of the teeth 78 with each groove 80 inthe ratchet 76 will provide a haptic or tactile feedback to a user. Inan implementation, a pad (not shown) formed from an elastic material,such as silicone for example, may be included adjacent the interfacebetween the teeth 78 and the grooves 80 to soften or limit the noiseand/or vibration of the haptic feedback provided to a user.

In another implementation, illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the lock 76includes a plurality of first teeth 82 extending from the second end 36of the container 32. The manual input device 72 similarly includes aplurality of second teeth 84 positionable between the plurality of firstteeth 82, as shown in FIG. 7A. The manual input device 72 is furthermounted with a biasing mechanism 86 such that the manual input device 72is movable vertically relative to the plurality of first teeth 82. Thebiasing force of the biasing mechanism 86 positions the manual inputdevice 72 in a first neutral, extended position where the plurality ofsecond teeth 84 are interposed with the plurality of first teeth 82. Asa result, rotation of the manual input device 72 about the axis Y whenin the extended position is restricted. However, when a downward forceis applied to the manual input device 72, the force opposes the bias ofthe biasing mechanism 86 and the plurality of second teeth 84 move outof the plane of the plurality of first teeth 82. When the manual inputdevice 72 is in this second, depressed position (FIG. 8B), the manualinput device 72 is rotatable about the axis Y in at least one direction,and in some implementations, in two directions. Once the force isremoved from the manual input device 72, the biasing force of thebiasing mechanism 86 will cause the manual input device 72 to return tothe extended position, where rotation of the manual input device 72 isrestricted.

The second agitating member 60 may be permanently affixed to thecontainer 32. However, in an implementation, the second agitating member60 is separable from the container 32, the mounting member 71, and/orthe manual input device 72, such as to facilitate cleaning thereof. Withreference now to FIGS. 11 and 12 , the manual input device 72 mayinclude a push button 88 operable to selectively decouple the secondagitating member 60 therefrom. In such implementations, the shaft 62 mayhave at least one spring biased detent formed therein. As shown, a firstdetent 90 a may be arranged at the interface between the shaft 62 andthe container 32. Alternatively, or in addition, a second detent 90 bmay be arranged at the interface between the shaft 62 and the manualinput device 72. In the extended positions, the detents 90 a, 90 bengage a groove or other feature formed in the adjacent component torestrict movement of the shaft 62 relative to the container 32, or themanual input device 72 relative to the shaft 62/container 32,respectively. Application of a force to a push button 88 formed in themanual input device 72 the first and second detent 90 a, 90 b to retractradially inwardly into the shaft 62, thereby separating the detent 90 a,90 b from the groove or feature formed in the adjacent components. As aresult, in this retracted position, the shaft 62 can be translatedrelative to the container 32. This allows the second agitating member 60and the shaft 62 to be separated from the container 32, and in someimplementations, the manual input device 72 to be separated from thesecond agitating member 60 and even the mounting member 71 and thecontainer 32. When the force is released from the push button 88, abiasing mechanism 92 coupled to the push button 88 causes the pushbutton 88 to return to its original position and the detents 90 a, 90 bto return to the extended position.

With reference to FIGS. 13 and 14 , in another implementation, thesecond agitating member 60 and/or shaft 62 may be retained within theprocessing chamber 40 via a magnetic connection or coupling. As shown, amagnet 94 may be mounted within the base 64 of the second agitatingmember 60, such as for connection to an end of the metal shaft 62 (FIG.14 ). Accordingly, application of a force to the second agitating member60 that exceeds the magnetic force coupling the second agitating member60 to the shaft 62 will be sufficient to separate the second agitatingmember 60 from the shaft 62. Although the magnetic connection isdescribed as being between the second agitating member 60 and the metalshaft 62, it should be understood that the magnetic connection may beformed with another magnet, such as shown in FIG. 13 . Further,implementations where the magnetic connection is formed at anotherlocation, such as between the shaft 62 and a portion of the manual inputdevice 72 or at an intermediate portion of the shaft 62 for example, arealso within the scope of the disclosure.

In yet another implementation, the processing assembly may be removablyconnected to the manual input device 72 via a snap fit or spring cliptype of connection. As shown in FIG. 15 , in an implementation, afeature 96 defining one or more grooves 98 may extend from a portion ofthe second agitating member 60, such as the base 64 for example, forconnection to a plurality of resilient members 100. As the feature 96 ismoved towards the clearance, the engagement with the resilient memberscauses the members to flex outwardly, to receive the feature therein.Once the feature 96 reaches a specific position, the bias of theresilient members 100 will cause them to engage the grooves 98 of thefeature 96. The between the grooves 98 and the resilient members 100prevents separation of the second agitating member 60 from the manualinput device 72.

To separate the second agitating member 60 from the resilient members100, a force applied to the second agitating member 60 must besufficient to push the resilient members 100 outwardly, out ofengagement with grooves 98. In another implementation, shown in FIG. 16, the resilient members 100 may extend from a first side of the secondagitating member 60 and the grooves 98 may be formed in feature 96extending from the manual input device 72, or alternatively formed inthe shaft 62. One or more release levers 102 operably coupled to theresilient members 100 may extend from a second, opposite side of thesecond agitating member 60. When the distal or free end of the releaselevers 102 are squeezed together, the resilient members 100 flexoutwardly, to decouple from the grooves 98, thereby allowing the secondagitating member 60 to separate from the dial. When the force is removedfrom the release levers 102, the resiliency of the material causes theresilient members 100 to bias back to a neutral position. It should beunderstood that the mechanisms and configurations for removably couplingthe second agitating member 60 to the shaft 62 and/or manual inputdevice 72 are provided as examples only and any suitable couplingmechanism for removably mounting the processing assembly within theprocessing chamber 40 is within the scope of the disclosure.

With reference now to FIGS. 17 and 17A, another implementation of anattachment 130 suitable for use with the food processing base isillustrated. As shown, the attachment 130 similarly includes an invertedjar or container 132 having a first open end 134, a second generallyclosed end 136, and one or more sidewalls 138 extending between thefirst end 134 and the second end 136 to define a hollow interior orprocessing chamber 140 of the container 132. The attachment 130 furtherincludes a first agitating member 142, such as a cutting assembly forexample, configured to removably couple to the first open end 134 of thecontainer 132 to seal the processing chamber 140. The attachment 130 mayfurther include a second agitating member 160 selectively positionablewithin the chamber 140. In the illustrated, non-limiting implementation,a removable seal or cap member 147 (see FIG. 17A) is positionable withinan opening, illustrated schematically via broken lines at 204, formed atthe second end 136 of the container 132, and the second agitating member160 is a tamper that is insertable into the chamber 140 via the opening204. Accordingly, a user may remove the cap member 147 and insert thetamper 160 the opening 204 in the second end 136. A user may thenmanually manipulate the tamper 160 to push unprocessed food or foodstuck at the sidewall of the container towards the cutting assembly 142.When a user is finished using the tamper 160, the cap member 147 may bereinserted into the opening 204 to seal the second end 136 of thecontainer 132. It should be understood that the first agitating member142 may be operated when either the tamper 160 or the cap member 147 isinserted within the opening 204.

As shown, the tamper 160 has a generally cylindrical body 206 having adiameter smaller than the diameter of the opening 204; however, itshould be understood that a body 206 having any cross-sectional shape iswithin the scope of the disclosure. A radially outwardly extendingflange 208 is connected to the cylindrical body 206 adjacent a first end210 thereof. The diameter of the flange 208 is greater than the opening204 to restrict the end 210 of the tamper 160 from falling through theopening 204 into the chamber 140. As a result, in use, a portion of thetamper 160 is positioned within the chamber of the container 132 and aportion of the tamper 160 remains adjacent an exterior of the container132. In any implementation including a tamper 160, the cylindrical body206 of the tamper 160 arranged within the chamber 140 is operable as anagitating member to stir or move the one or more food items arrangedwithin the chamber 140. The agitation performed by movement of the body206 within the chamber 140 occurs in response to a manual input appliedto the end 210 thereof.

With reference now to FIGS. 18-20 , another implementation of anattachment 230 suitable for use with the food processing base isillustrated. As shown, the attachment 230 similarly includes an invertedjar or container 232 having a first open end 234, a second closed end236, and one or more sidewalls 238 extending between the first end 234and the second end 236 to define a hollow interior or processing chamber240 of the container 232. The attachment 230 further includes a firstagitating member 242, such as a cutting assembly for example, configuredto removably couple to the first open end 234 of the container 232 toseal the processing chamber 240. As previously described, the cuttingassembly 242 typically includes a body 244 and one or more blades 246rotatable about an axis X relative to the body 244. The container 232may, but need not include a second agitating member 60, 160 positionedwithin the processing chamber, adjacent the second end 236 of thecontainer 232, as described above.

In the illustrated, non-limiting implementation, another agitatingmember 310 is positioned in overlapping arrangement with a portion ofthe cutting assembly 242. The agitating member 310 includes a body 312having a generally hollow interior (not shown) within which the one ormore blades 246 of the cutting assembly 242 are receivable (see FIG. 19). When the agitating member 310 is installed about the blades 246 ofthe cutting assembly 242, the body 312 of the agitating member 310 formsa cover or barrier to block the blades 246 from interacting with one ormore food items within the chamber 240. Further, when the agitatingmember 310 is installed about the blades 246 of the cutting assembly242, the agitating member 310 is rotationally coupled to the blades 246of the cutting assembly 242. As a result, operation of the cuttingassembly 242 drives rotation of the agitating member 310 about the axisX, and this rotation is used to perform a processing operation via theagitating member 310.

A contour of the exterior of the agitating member 310 may be shaped toperform a desired processing operation. In an implementation, theagitating member 310 is operable to perform a mixing operation ratherthan a cutting or chopping operation. As best shown in FIGS. 19 and 20 ,the body 312 of the agitating member 310 may be formed with a pluralityof generally arcuate contours. Further, a paddle 314 having a largesurface area may extend generally perpendicularly from an end 316 of thebody 312, such as towards the second end 236 of the container 232 forexample. Rotation of the body 312, and therefore the paddle 314, causesthe food items within the chamber to swirl about the axis and mixtogether. It should be understood that the configuration of theagitating member 310 illustrated and described herein is intended as anexample only, and that any suitable configuration is within the scope ofthe disclosure.

A single-serve or personal blending container including an agitatingmember 60, 160 or 210 as illustrated and described herein allows for theproduction of a thick, consistent culinary output, while minimizingexcessive cavitation. Further, minimal input is required from a consumerto operate the processing assembly to encourage the flow of ingredientsback towards the blades performing the blending operation.

With reference now to FIGS. 21 and 22 , an example of an attachment 430according to yet another implementation is illustrated. In theillustrated, non-limiting implementation, the second end 436 of thecontainer 432 is substantially open, or includes a wall having agenerally centrally located opening 437 formed therein. A displacementmember 500 is connected to the container 432 in overlapping arrangementwith the opening 437, such that the displacement member 500 cooperateswith the body of the container 432 to seal the second end 436 thereof.The displacement member 500 may be connected to an exterior surface, oralternatively, to an interior surface of the container 432. Further, thedisplacement member 500 may be removably or permanently connected to thecontainer 432 via any suitable manner, such as via a connector orfastener for example. In an implementation, the displacement member 500is over-molded relative to a portion of the container 432, such as thesecond end 436 for example.

The displacement member 500 may be formed from a resilient or flexiblematerial such that the displacement member 500 is transformable betweena first configuration (FIG. 21 ) and a second configuration (FIG. 22 ).In an implementation, the displacement member 500 is a diaphragm.However, it should be understood that a displacement member 500 formedfrom any suitable component is within the scope of the disclosure. Whenthe displacement member 500 is in the first configuration, thedisplacement member 500 may be located partially, and in someimplementations wholly, external to the processing chamber 440 of thecontainer 432. In implementations where the displacement member 500 ismounted at an interior of the container 432, in the first configuration,the displacement member 500 may, but need not extend through the opening437 formed in the second end 436 of the container 432. In the secondconfiguration, the displacement member 500 extends inwardly into theprocessing chamber 440 of the container 432, towards the first end 434.In implementations where the displacement member 500 is mounted at anexterior of the container 432, when in the second configuration, thedisplacement member 500 extends through the opening 437 formed in thesecond end 436 of the container 432.

The processing chamber 440 of the container 432 has a processing volumein which foods are processed. In an implementation, a portion of thedisplacement member 500 defines a boundary of this processing volume,such as an upper boundary of the processing volume when the container432 is attached to a food processing base 22 for example. The contour ofthe displacement member 500 may be selected such that the processingvolume when the displacement member 500 is in the second configurationis reduced relative to the processing volume when the displacementmember 500 is in the first configuration. When in the secondconfiguration, the displacement member 500 occupies a portion of theprocessing chamber 440. In the illustrated, non-limiting implementation,the portion of the displacement member 500 that is received within thechamber 440, such as the portion that extends through the opening 437 ofthe second end 436 for example, has a concave contour. Accordingly, whenthe displacement member 500 is in the second configuration and occupiesa portion of the processing chamber 440, the remaining portion of theprocessing chamber 440, such as extending between the first end 434 ofthe container 432 and the surface of the displacement member 500 facingthe first end 434 for example, defines the reduced processing volume.

Further, the displacement member 500 may have a similar but oppositecontour, such as a convex contour for example, when the displacementmember 500 is in the first configuration. In such implementations, suchas where a portion of the displacement member 500 is arranged externalto the processing chamber 440 when in the first configuration, theprocessing volume of the container 432 includes not only the volume ofthe processing chamber 440 but also the additional volume defined by theportion of the displacement member 440 arranged external to theprocessing chamber 440. However, implementations where the processingvolume is generally equal to or even slightly less than the volume ofthe processing chamber 440 and/or the container 432 when thedisplacement member 500 is in the first configuration are alsocontemplated herein. In such implementations, the contour of thedisplacement member 500 in the first configuration need not be generallyequal and opposite to the configuration of the displacement member 500in the second configuration.

In an implementation, the displacement member 500 is transformable fromthe first configuration to the second configuration in response to amanual input, such as application of a force to the displacement member500 by a user. The force may be applied directly to a surface of thedisplacement member 500, such as to a portion of the displacement member500 adjacent to, within, or overlapping the opening 437, oralternatively, may be applied indirectly to another component coupled toor associated with the displacement member 500.

During a food processing operation, at least a portion of the firstagitating member 442 is rotated about its axis X to process, forexample, chop, cut, dice, blend, or mix, the contents of the foodprocessing chamber. During a food processing operation, the contents ofthe food processing chamber 440 may be propelled outwardly, towards thesidewalls 438 of the container 432 and may stick thereto. To facilitatethe return of these particles of food stuck to the sidewall 438 to thefirst end 434 of the container 432, the displacement member 500 istransformed to the second configuration. By pushing the displacementmember 500 into the interior of the container 432, the volume of theprocessing chamber 440 is reduced. As a result, the pressure within theprocessing chamber 440 is increased, thereby pushing the food downwardlytowards the cutting assembly 442. In an implementation, this increasedpressure acts on and loosens the stuck food particles within thecontainer 432. This transformation of the displacement member 500 fromthe first configuration to the second configuration may occur when thefirst agitating member 442 is operational, or alternatively, when therotatable blade 446 of the first agitating member 442 is stationary,such as after a processing operation or during a pause of a processingoperation.

In response to further processing, such as rotation of the cuttingassembly 442 about its axis X, the heat and pressure within theprocessing chamber 440 will increase. Because of its resilient nature,the increased pressure within the processing chamber 440 acting on asurface of the displacement member 500 will cause the displacementmember 500 to deform. In an implementation, this pressure will move thedisplacement member 500 through the opening 437, to an exterior of thecontainer 432. Accordingly, this increased pressure generated byoperation of the first agitating member 442 will ultimately transformthe displacement member 500 from the second configuration back to thefirst configuration. Although the displacement member 500 is notillustrated or described herein as including a second agitating member,it should be understood that implementations where a second agitatingmember is arranged within the interior of the container 432 and operablycoupled to the displacement member 500 are also contemplated herein.

FIGS. 23A, 23B, and 25 illustrate attachment 600 of the food processingsystem 20 suitable for use to process a thick or frozen mixture. Asshown, the attachment 600 includes a container body 602 having sidewall604, a first end 606 and a second end 608. The sidewall 604 incombination with one or more ends 606, 608 of the container 602 define ahollow interior or processing chamber 614 of the container 602. Theattachment 600 includes a first agitating member 610 which includes acutting assembly and is at least partially disposed within a chamber614.

As discussed above in relation to FIGS. 3 and 4 , the first end 606 ofthe container body 602 is open and the first agitating member 612 may beremovably coupled to the first end 606 in such a way as to attach to thecontainer body 602. In other words, the first agitating member 612 isreceivable at the first end 606. After installment of the firstagitating member 612, the first end 606 is closed and sealed. The firstagitating member 612 includes a body 607 and one or more blades 610 tocut, chop, blend, or, in general, process food. When the first agitatingmember 610 is installed on the container 602, the blades 610 aredisposed within the container 602. The container 602 may be threadablycoupled to the first agitating member 612. However, other mechanisms forremovably connecting the container 602 to the first agitating member 612are also contemplated here including, for example, a snap connection,magnetic connection, bayonet connection, and so on. In each of thevarious attachment configurations, the first agitating member 612 isconfigured to operably couple to the food processing base 22 of the foodprocessing system 20.

As shown in FIG. 25 , the attachment 600 can also include a secondagitating member 620 positioned at the second end 608 of the containerbody 602 and at least partially disposed within the processing chamber614 of the container body 602. The structure and mechanism of secondagitating member 620 may be similar to the second agitating membersdiscussed in FIGS. 3-20 .

Referring back to FIGS. 23A and 25 , the attachment 600 includes a fluidagitator and/or pump 640 to assist in removing ingredients from theinterior of chamber 614 by directing fluid toward the interior of thechamber 614. The fluid agitator and/or pump 640 is in fluidcommunication with its surrounding environment and receives fluid viainlet 642. The pump 640 can receive any kind of fluid via inlet 642 whenan actuator 644 (arm 644) is extended. In some implementations, thefluid is air. The fluid may include a liquid such as water and/or aningredient derived from or related to the fluid such as milk, juice,coffee, and so on. In some implementations, pump 640 includes a spring646 in physical communication with the actuator 644 and pump reservoir630. Actuation of arm 644 may happen in various ways. In oneapplication, a user may apply a downward force and/or press down on armand/or platform 644 to actuate and/or initiate the agitation process.The arm may be spring-loaded via spring 646 such that when the userreleases the arm 644, the arm 644 returns to an extended and/or readyposition for subsequent actuation. In some implementations (shown inFIG. 24 ), the fluid agitator and/or pump has a displacement member 650.The displacement member 650 can be any flexible membrane. In someimplementations, the displacement member 650 is a diaphragm. In thiscase, the actuator arm 644 is actuated by a downward force applied by auser and returned to a ready position through a restorative force suchas a spring 646. The displacement member 650 and/or actuator arm 644 mayalso or alternatively be restored to the ready position when fluid fillschamber 654. However, in some implementations, the restorative force of,for example, spring 646 draws the actuator arm 644 and member 650 upwardwhich, in turn, draws fluid into chamber 654 so that chamber 654 is atleast partially filled and arm 644 is extended and ready for a user toinitiate a subsequent fluid agitation event. The fluid fills chamber 654via openings 652 to enable the displacement member 650 to then force thefluid out of chamber 654 upon application of pressure or force to arm644 and a downward motion of member 650 toward outlet 648. Inlet 642 mayinclude a one-way check valve and/or similar mechanism arranged to allowfluid to enter reservoir 630, but not exit via inlet 642. Openings 652may include a one-way check valves and/or similar mechanisms arranged toallow fluid to enter chamber 654, but not exit. While FIG. 24illustrates one type of fluid agitator and/or pump, other fluidagitators and/or pump devices may be implemented that one or ordinaryskill would be readily able to implement.

As discussed above, the fluid agitator and/or pump 640 receives fluidvia inlet 642 to fill the pump reservoir 630 (pump chamber 630). Therestorative force of, for example, spring 646 draws the actuator arm 644and member 650 upward which, in turn, draws fluid into chamber 654 fromreservoir 630 so that chamber 654 is at least partially filled and arm644 is extended and ready for a user to initiate a fluid agitationoperation or event. When the actuator 644 is actuated, e.g., pressed,pushed down, extended, or actuated in any mechanical operation, thefluid in chamber 654 is expelled via an outlet 648 into the interior ofthe chamber 614. The expelled fluid will impact at least a portion ofany materials adhering to sidewall 604 and/or the second agitator withsufficient force to overcome any adhesion or other forces holding thematerials against sidewall 604 to, thereby, release the materials tofall toward the first agitator for further processing. This process canbe repeated as long as there is sufficient fluid in reservoir 630 todraw into chamber 654.

Outlet 648 may include an opening along an interior surface of sidewall604. In some configurations, outlet 648 includes a nozzle arranged todisperse the fluid expelled into chamber 614. The nozzle may be arrangedto direct the fluid in a predetermined direction or multiplepredetermined directions from the outlet 648. Alternatively, outlet 648may include an opening that is oriented and/or configured to directfluid in a predetermined direction or multiple predetermined directions.Outlet 648 may include multiple openings with each opening beingoriented to direct fluid flow toward an area of chamber 614. Theorientations of the multiple openings may be coordinated to optimize aforce generated by the fluid against a portion of food material inchamber 614 such that, for example, the food material is directeddownward toward the first end 676.

FIG. 23B shows an implementation where the fluid may be directed by afluid agitator to one or more regions of the chamber 614 via one or morechannels 656 and 658 in communication via one or more chamber outlets664 and 668. Channel 656 may include one or more outlet openings 660.Each outlet opening 660 may include an outlet nozzle 678 and/or beoriented or configured to direct fluid flow in a predetermined directionsuch as in a downward direction or in a counter direction to the flow offood material generated by the first agitating member 612. Channel 658may include one or more outlet openings 662. Each outlet opening 662 mayinclude an outlet nozzle 678 and/or be oriented or configured to directfluid flow in a predetermined direction such as in a downward directionor in a counter direction to the flow of food material generated by thefirst agitating member 612.

The one or more channels 656 and 658 may be located on or within anyparts, or combination thereof, of the interior of the container body602. For example, the channels may be on or within the blades 610,second agitating member 620, sidewalls 604, or first agitating member612. The one or more regions of the chamber 614 may include, sidewalls604, first agitating member 612 at a first end 676, second agitatingmember 620 at second end 608, or blades 610.

FIG. 23C shows a zoomed-in side view 670 of sidewall 604 and fluidchannel 656 including multiple openings 660 arranged to direct fluidfrom channel 656 into chamber 614. As show in FIG. 25 , channels 672 and674 are located on the second agitating member 612 and fluid is expelledthrough outlets 622 into the chamber 614. The blades 610 also includeopenings/outlets 616 to expel the fluid to the chamber 614, similar tothe outlets 622, to release and/or detach any ingredients stuck oradhering to the interior of the chamber body 602 during the operation ofthe first agitating member 612. The fluid enters the channels 686 and688 via outlets 664 and 668 of the pump 640 and passes through outlets616 of the blades 610 of the first agitating member 612. As a result,the released ingredients from the sidewall will be processed again bythe cutting assembly 612 to produce more uniform product.

FIG. 26 shows a fluid agitator 700 located at the second end 608 ofcontainer body 602. Displacement member 702 consists of materialarranged to deform when pressed downward by an operator which, in turn,compresses the fluid in chamber 708 that is then expelled into chamber614 via one or more streams 710. Displacement member 702 may consist ofsimilar materials and operate in a similar manner as displacement member500 of FIGS. 21 and 22 . When displacement member 702 is released,member 702 returns to its original un-deformed configuration which pullsfluid into chamber 708 via inlet 704. Hence, when displacement member702 returns to its un-deformed position, fluid agitator 700 is ready toperform another fluid agitation operation. Fluid inlet 704 may include aone-way check valve and/or restrictor to only allow fluid to enterchamber 708 but not exit chamber 708 via inlet 704. In someimplementations, the fluid agitator of FIGS. 23A through 26 is includedin a second agitating member 60 receivable at the first end of thecontainer body. But, in other implementations, the fluid agitator may belocated at any location exterior to the chamber 614 and/or within oradjacent to a portion of the container body 602. In some configurations,the second agitating member may include an agitating device in additionto the fluid agitator of FIGS. 23A to 26 .

In another implementation of an attachment 300 shown in FIG. 27 , thesecond agitating member 60 is automatically rotated by motor 172. Themotor 172 can be electrically driven by battery 174 via an electricalconnection. As shown on FIG. 27 , the battery 174 is located on top 173of the motor 172. However, battery 174 does not need to be physicallylocated in proximity with or near motor 172. In some implementations,motor 172 is coupled via a drive shaft 62 to the second agitating memberto effect rotation of the second agitating member 60 corresponding torotation of the shaft 62 of motor 172. The motor 172 may be connected tothe shaft 62 at a location external to the container 32. As shown inFIG. 27 , the motor 172 and the second agitating member 60 are disposedon opposite sides of the mounting member 71. However, in otherconfigurations, the mounting member 71 and the motor 172 may be locatednear or directly adjacent to the second sealed end 36 of the container32. The motor 172 may have an electrical connection with a power sourcein the base 22 of the food processing system. In certain configurations,the container 32 include an electrical conduit arranged to convey anelectrical drive signal to motor 172 from an electrical power source inthe base 22. In some configurations, the motor 172 is in directelectrical connection with the base 22 through electronic connections175. As explained with respect to manual input device 72, the motor 172is rotatable in one or more directions to drive rotation of the secondagitating member 60 about axis Y to “scrape” or loosen food stuck at thesidewall 38 of the container 32.

In some implementations, the motor 172 is continuously operating, e.g.,rotating, as the food processor operates. In some configurations, themotor 172 is simultaneously rotating with the operation of the firstagitating member 42. The second agitating member 60 is also rotatingwhile the motor rotates to scrape and/or loosen the food stuck at thesidewall 38 and/or push the food downwardly toward the cutting assembly42 while the first agitating member/cutting assembly 42 operates. Insome implementations, the motor 172 rotates in one direction during thewhole operation. In other configurations, the motor 172 rotates in onedirection, e.g., clockwise, during a first portion of the operation ofthe motor 172 and changes its direction of the rotation, e.g.,counterclockwise direction, during a second portion of operation of themotor 172. In another implementation, the motor 172 changes its rotationafter one or more cycles of the rotation in one direction, e.g.,clockwise, and continues to change the direction of its rotations aftereach set of cycles in one direction. This may result in a betterprocessed food product of the food processing system by enhancing theability of second agitating member 60 to loosen and scrape any foodstuck to the sidewall 38.

Alternatively, or in addition, in some implementations, the motor 172may be operable to translate the second agitating member 60 along theaxis Y, such as to push food downwardly towards the cutting assembly 42.In such configurations, the motor 172 may be threadably coupled to thecontainer 32 (see FIG. 9 ), such that rotation of the motor 172 causesthe second agitating member 60 to both rotate and translate in axialdirection, resulting in movement of the second agitating member 60 alonga helical and/or reciprocating path.

The motor 172 may be directly connected to the second agitating member60 via a drive shaft such that a single turn of the motor 172 results ina corresponding single turn of the second agitating member 60. However,implementations where the motor 172 is indirectly coupled to the secondagitating member 60, such as via a gearing mechanism, are also withinthe scope of the disclosure. In such configurations, a single turn ofthe motor 172 may result in several turns of the second agitatingmember, or alternatively, less than one turn of the second agitatingmember 60.

In another configuration shown in FIG. 28A, attachment 400 of the foodprocessing system 20 is suitable for use to process a thick or frozenmixture. As shown in FIG. 28A, attachment 400 includes a container body402 having sidewall 404, a first end 406 and a second end 408. Thesidewall 404, in combination with one or more ends 406 and 408 of thecontainer 402, defines a hollow interior or processing chamber 414 ofthe container 402. The attachment 400 includes a first agitator 410having a cutting assembly that is at least partially disposed within achamber 414.

As discussed above in relation to FIGS. 3 and 4 , the first end 406 ofthe container body 402 is open and the first agitator 412 may beremovably coupled to the first end 406 and attach to the container body402. In other words, the first agitator 412 is receivable at the firstend 406. After attachment of the first agitator 412, the first end 406is closed and sealed. The first agitator 412 includes a body 407 and oneor more blades 410 to cut, chop, blend, and/or process food. When thefirst agitator 412 is attached to the container 402, the blades 410 arealso disposed within the container 402. The container 402 may bethreadably coupled to the first agitator 412. However, other mechanismsfor removably connecting the container 402 to the first agitator 412 mayalso be implemented including, for example, a snap connection, magneticconnection, bayonet connection, and so on. In each of the variousattachment configurations, the first agitator 412 is configured tooperably couple to the food processing base 22 of the food processingsystem 20. In some implementations, the attachment 400 also includes avibrator 480 arranged adjacent to and/or in contact with the containerbody 402. As shown in FIG. 28A, the vibrator 480 may be located at thesecond end 408 of the container body 402.

FIG. 29 is a front view of an attachment including a vibrator 480′located on the sidewall 404 of the container body 402. When the vibrator480, 480′ is activated, it vibrates the container body 402. Vibration ofthe container body 402 will loosen the food stuck to the sidewall 404,enabling the food to move toward the center of the chamber 414 and/ortoward the first end 406 where the cutting assembly 412 is located. Thiswill result in a more uniform processed food by the food processingsystem 20. The vibrator 480, 480′ can vibrate the container body 402during a period of operation of the food processing system 20 or duringthe entire time of operation of the food processing system 20. In someimplementations, shown in FIGS. 28A, 28B, and 24 , the vibrator 480 mayinclude a direct current (DC) motor 485 arranged to generate hapticsignals and/or vibrations. As shown in FIGS. 28A-28B, the DC motor 485can be powered by a battery 482. In other configurations, the DC motor485 may be connected electrically through connection 487 to the base 42of the food processing system 20. In some configurations, the foodprocessing system 20 provides the necessary power for the operation ofthe vibrator 480, 480′ (shown in FIG. 29 ). A user may activate and/ordeactivate the vibrator 480 or 480′ via a user interface and/or switch.Activation and/or deactivation of vibrator 480 or 480′ may be controlledautomatically by a controller and/or processor.

FIG. 30 shows another implementation of an attachment 800 of the foodprocessing system 20 suitable to process a thick or frozen mixture. Asshown, the attachment 800 includes sonic vibrator 880 that is in contactwith the container body 402. The container body 402 has sidewall 404, afirst end 406 and a second end 408. The sidewall 404, in combinationwith one or more ends 406 and 408 of the container body 402, define ahollow interior or processing chamber 414 of the container body 402. Theattachment 800 includes a first agitator 410 having a cutting assemblythat is at least partially disposed within chamber 414. The sonicvibrator 880 may be located in portions or regions of the sidewall 404of the container body 402. In this configuration, the second end 408 isat least partially closed by end wall 420. The end wall 420 and thesidewall 404 may form a unitary structure. In some configurations, thesecond end 408 is completely closed. However, the sonic vibrator 880 mayalso and/or alternatively be located on one or more portions or regionsof the sidewall 404 on an exterior of the container body 402. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 30 , the sonic vibrator 880 may be located onthe sidewall 404 within the chamber 414. In some configurations, thesonic vibrator 880 may be located on or built in the end wall 420.Similar to the vibrator 480, 480′, when the sonic vibrator 880 isactivated, it vibrates the container body 402. Vibration of thecontainer body 402 will loosen the food stuck and/or attached to thesidewall 404 causing the food to move toward the center of the chamber414 or toward the first end 406 where the cutting assembly 412 islocated. Therefore, the cutting assembly 412 processes the food, e.g.,dice, chop, cut, slice, mix, blend, crush, and/or the like multipletimes to achieve a more uniform processed food by the food processingsystem 20. The sonic vibrator 880 can vibrate the container body 402during a portion or period of an operation of the food processing system20 or during the whole time of the operation of the food processingsystem 20. Base 20 may be electronically connected through connections489 to the sonic vibrator 880 to provide power. In some configurations,the sonic vibrator 880 may include piezoelectric crystals 881 such thatwhen they are electrically powered, they mechanically deform to producevibrations. A user may activate and/or deactivate sonic vibrator 880 viaa user interface and/or switch. Activation and/or deactivation of sonicvibrator 880 may be controlled automatically by a controller and/orprocessor.

FIGS. 31A-31B show an exemplary implementation for a DC motor 485 usedas a haptic signal generator and/or vibrator. The DC motor 485 can beany suitable DC motor. The armature 601 of the DC motor 485 is mountedon the shaft 602 and has windings terminated to a commutator 604. Motorterminals 606 and 608 are connected to the engine winding 610 throughthe electric motor brushes 605 and 607. The stator magnet 612 may haveat least two permanent magnet poles. The electromechanical motor isdesigned such that opposite magnetic fields of the energized winding 610and the stator magnet 612 cause the shaft 602 to rotate. When thearmature 601 is aligned with the stator magnets 612, the brushes 605 and607, which are also fixed to the housing 614, will connect to the nextcommutator segment and thereby energize another winding. This willchange the magnetic field of the armature 601, which causes the motor485 to continue rotating. The rotation of an unbalanced mass 616 causedby the rotation of the DC motor 485, results in vibration of the surfaceor object it is in contact with such as, for example, vibration of thevibrator 480 or 480′. That is, the rotation of mass 616 results invibration of the container body 402. The frequency and amplitude of thevibration depends on several factors including, for example, the weightand/or radius of mass 616. Other types of motors and/or haptic signalgenerators may be used to generate vibrations including for example analternating current (AC) motor, eccentric rotating mass (ERM) actuator,linear resonant actuator (LRA), and/or a piezoelectric actuator.

FIG. 32 shows a side view of a food processing system 2600 including anattachment and/or container body 2602 having a mainspring 2614 thatdrives rotation of second agitator 2608. System 2600 includes a base2604 having a motor (not shown) arranged to drive shaft 2610rotationally and, thereby, drive the rotation of first agitator 2606. Inone configuration, shaft 2610 and first agitator 2606 are rotated in aclockwise direction. In another configuration, shaft 2610 and firstagitator 2606 are rotated in a counter-clockwise direction. Shaft 2610may also engage with second agitator 2608. Shaft 2610 may be coupled tomainspring 2614 within spring housing 2612. Spring housing 2612 may becoupled to second agitator 2608 and/or integrally formed as part ofsecond agitator 2608.

In operation, in one implementation, mainspring 2614 is wound to acompressed position substantially against and/or adjacent to shaft 2610while shaft 2610 and first agitator 2606 are rotated in a clockwisedirection by a motor in base 2604. When the motor stops and firstagitator 2606 and shaft 2610 stop rotating, mainspring 2614 will unwindand/or decompress, causing second agitator 2608 to rotate in acounter-clockwise direction (or opposite direction to the originalmotor-driven direction of rotation of shaft 2610 and first agitator2606). To prevent overwinding or over-tightening of mainspring 2614,shaft 2610 may be coupled to mainspring 2614 via a slipping clutch aswill be explained further in FIG. 33 . Mainspring 2614 will rotatesecond agitator 2608 until it reaches an unwound and/or decompressedposition. In such a process, second agitator 2608 via its blades willscrape and/or push food portions adjacent to the sidewall of container2602 away from the sidewall and downward in container 2602. In someconfiguration, mainspring 2702 includes a stopwork or winding stopsarranged to prevent mainspring 2702 from being wound excessively and/orprevent mainspring 2702 from unwinding excessively.

FIG. 33 is a top down view 2700 of a mainspring 2702 arranged to drivethe rotation of a second agitator 2710 such as second agitator 2608 ofFIG. 32 . Mainspring 2702 may reside in a housing 2718 that is formed byand/or attached to second agitator 2710. Mainspring 2702 may be attachedvia inner end to slipping clutch and/or bridle 2704 at connector 2706.Mainspring 2702 may be attached via an outer ender to second agitator2710 via connector 2712.

In one configuration, the outer end of mainspring 2702, instead ofattaching to the barrel or shaft 2708 or 2610, is attached to a circularexpansion ring and/or spring clutch 2704, sometimes called the bridle,that presses against the inner wall of the barrel and/or shaft 2708,which may have serrations or notches to hold the slip clutch 2704.During normal winding, the bridle 2704 holds by friction to the barreland/or shaft 2708, allowing mainspring 2702 to wind. When mainspring2702 reaches its full tension, its pull is stronger than the bridle2704. Further rotation of the mainspring 2702 causes the bridle 2704 toslip along the barrel and/or shaft 2708 or 2610, preventing furtherwinding of mainspring 2702 or 2614. Blade connection regions 2714 and2716 enable an extension of blades from the second agitator 2710adjacent to the sidewalls of a container such as container 2602.

In some configurations, the spring housing 2614 resides within a lid ofcontainer 2602 substantially adjacent to second agitator 2608. In otherconfigurations, the spring housing 2614, mainspring 2614, and othercomponent within spring housing 2614 may be located substantiallyadjacent to first agitator 2606 within container 2602. In yet anotherconfiguration, spring housing 2614 is located within base 2604. In afurther configuration, the spring housing is located within a firstagitator housing and/or assembly of the first agitator 2602.

Referring now to FIGS. 34 and 35 , an example of a multi-functional foodprocessing system 3020 is illustrated. In general, the food processingsystem 3020 can be adapted to perform any food processing or blendingoperation including, without limitation, dicing, chopping, cutting,slicing, mixing, blending, stirring, crushing, or the like. Although thefood processing system illustrated and described herein is a personalblender system, other food processing systems are within the scope ofthe present disclosure.

The food processing system 3020 includes a food processing base 3022having a body or housing 3024 within which a drive unit (not shown) andat least one controller not shown) are located. The drive unit includesat least one rotary component, such as a drive coupler 3026 (see FIG. 35) for example, driven by a motorized unit (not shown) located within thehousing 3024. The food processing base 3022 may additionally include acontrol panel or user interface 3028 (best shown in FIG. 34 ) having oneor more inputs 3029 for turning the motorized unit on and off and forselecting various modes of operation, such as pulsing, blending, orcontinuous food processing. However, aspects where the food processingsystem 3020 does not include a user interface, such as where the foodprocessing system 3020 is operable via an application and aspects wherethe application of a force to a switch or other component formed in thefood processing base 3022 (is sufficient to initiate operation of themotorized unit such as in push to operate systems) for example, are alsowithin the scope of the disclosure. The at least one drive coupler 3026is configured to engage a portion of an attachment 3030 coupled to thefood processing base 3022 for the processing of food products locatedwithin an interior of the attachment 3030.

One or more attachments 3030 varying in size and/or functionality may beconfigured for use with the food processing base 22. An example of anattachment 3030 suitable for use with the food processing base 22 isillustrated in FIGS. 36, 37, 38A, and 39 . As shown in FIG. 36 , theattachment 3030 includes an inverted jar or container 3032. Thecontainer 3032 may include a body having a first open end 3034, a secondclosed end 3036, and one or more sidewalls 3038 extending between thefirst end 3034 and the second end 3036. The sidewalls 3038, incombination with one or more of the ends 3034 and 3036 of the container3032, define a hollow interior or processing chamber 3040 of thecontainer 3032. In some implementations, the container 3032 is a“personal blending container” or “cup” that has a first configurationwhen separated from the food processing base 3022 and a second invertedconfiguration when coupled to the food processing base 3022. As shown inFIGS. 36, 37, 38B, the second end 3036 includes an end wall 3039. Insome configurations, end wall 3039 is a continuous part of sidewall 3038forming a unitary structure.

In such configurations, the attachment 3030 further includes a firstagitator 3042, having a cutting assembly, configured to removably coupleto the first open end 3034 of the container 3032 to seal the processingchamber 3040. In the illustrated implementation, the cutting assembly3042 includes a body 3044 and one or more blades 3046 rotatable about anX axis relative to the body 3044. When the cutting assembly 3042 isconnected to the end 3034 of the container 3032, the first agitator 3042including the least one blade 3046 is disposed within the processingchamber 3040 of the container 3032. The container 3032 and the cuttingassembly 3042 may be threadably coupled together. However, othermechanisms for removably connecting the container 3032 and the cuttingassembly 3042, such as a bayonet connection or a clip for example, maybe implemented.

In each of the various attachment configurations 3030, 3030′, 3030″, and3030′″, the cutting assembly 3042 is configured to operably couple tothe food processing base 3022 of the food processing system 3020. Adriven coupler 3048 (see FIG. 36 ) associated with the cutting assembly3042 is positioned at an exterior of the attachment 3030. The at leastone drive coupler 3026 is configured to engage the driven coupler 3048to rotate the at least one blade 3046 about the X axis to process thefood products located within the chamber 3040 of the container 3032. Itshould be understood that the attachment 3030 including an invertedcontainer 3032 and a cutting assembly 3042 is intended as an exampleonly, and that other attachments, are also contemplated herein.

In implementations where the attachments 3030, 3030′, 3030″, and 3030′″include an inverted container 3032, the attachment 3030 may include oneor more contact members 3049 (FIG. 36 ), such as tabs positioned aboutthe periphery of the attachment 3030. Attachment 3030, 3030′, 3030″, or3030′″ may have any number of contact members 3049 is within the scopeof the disclosure. In implementations where the attachment 3030, 3030′,3030″, or 3030′″ includes an inverted container 3032, the contactmembers 3049 may extend outwardly from the container 3032, the cuttingassembly 3042, or both.

The contact members 3049 of the attachment 3030, 3030′, 3030″, and3030′″ may be configured to cooperate with a mounting area 3050 (seeFIG. 35 ) of the food processing base 3022 to couple the attachments3030, 3030′, 3030″, and 3030′″ to the food processing base 3022. Themounting area 3050 may include one or more receiving slots 3052 withinwhich each of the plurality of contact members 3049 of the attachments3030, 3030′, 3030″, and 3030′″ is receivable. The attachments 3030,3030′, 3030″, and 3030′″ may be configured to slidably connect to thefood processing base 3022 of the food processing system 3020.Alternatively, or in addition, the attachment 3030 may be configured torotatably connect to the food processing base 3022 such that theattachment 3030 is locked relative to the food processing base 3022.However, it should be understood that any suitable mechanism forcoupling the attachment to the food processing base 3022 is within thescope of the disclosure.

With continued reference to FIGS. 37, 38B and 39 , attachment 3030′,3030″, and 3030′″, similar to attachment 3030, of the food processingsystem 3020 are arranged to process a thick or frozen mixture. Similarto attachment 3030 of FIG. 36 , attachment 3030′ incudes a body having afirst open end 3034, a second closed end 3036, and one or more sidewalls3038 extending between the first end 3034 and the second end 3036. Thesidewalls 3038, in combination with one or more of the ends 3034 and3036 of the container 3032, define a hollow interior or processingchamber 3040 of the container 3032. In certain configurations, thecontainer 3032 is a “personal blending container” or “cup” that has afirst configuration and/or orientation when separated from the foodprocessing base 3022 and a second inverted configuration and/ororientation when coupled to the food processing base 3022.

Further, the attachment 3030′ may include a first agitator 3042,including a cutting assembly, configured to removably couple to thefirst open end 3034 of the container 3032 to seal the processing chamber3040. In the illustrated implementation, the cutting assembly 3042includes a body 3044 and one or more blades 3046 rotatable about an Xaxis relative to the body 3044. When the cutting assembly (firstagitator) 3042 is connected to the end 3034 of the container 3032, thefirst agitator 3042, including at least one blade 3046, is disposedwithin the processing chamber 3040 of the container 3032.

As shown in FIG. 37 , the attachment 3030′ may include a second agitator3110 which includes one or more flexible sections and/or structures, andis extendable through the container body 3032 and through the first end3034. The second agitator 3110 may have any length up to the length ofthe sidewall 3038 and can have any shape. FIG. 37 shows the secondagitator 3110 having two paddle-like portions and/or sections 3112 and adrive/shaft 3114 through which it is connectable to the base 3022 of thefood processing system 3020. As shown in the implementation of FIG. 37 ,the first agitator 3042 and the second agitator 3110 are connected toeach other and, as a result, both are connected to the base 3022 (notshown) to be able to operate. The attachment of the first agitator 3042and the second agitator 3110 to the base 3022 is similar to theconfiguration as explained in connection to FIG. 36 . During theoperation of the food processing system 3020, the first agitator 3042 isactivated and rotates to cut and process the ingredients/food and thesecond agitator 3110 is also activated, e.g., rotates, to remove/scrapeat least a portion of the food which is attached to the sidewall 3038.

In order to better remove the attached food from the sidewall 3038, thesecond agitator 3110 may extend along the sidewall 3038. As shown inFIG. 37 , the paddles 3112 may also contact with the sidewall 3038.Depending on the shape of the second agitator 3110, the second agitator3110 may contact the sidewall 3038 at one point or several points.

FIG. 37 shows that each paddle 3112 comes into contact with the sidewall3038 at point 3113. In other implementations, not shown, the secondagitator 3110 does not contact the sidewall 3038. However, variousconfigurations, the second agitator 3110 positioned in close proximityto the sidewall 3038 to be able to scrape at least portion of the stuckfoods off the sidewall 3038. The second agitator 3110 is also able tostir the food during the operation of the food processing system 3020.As a result, these features of the second agitator 3110 enable the foodprocessing system 3020 to better process food to achieve a more uniformproduct. The second agitator 3110 may operate simultaneously with thefirst agitator 3042 during food processing operations. However, in someconfigurations, the agitator 3120 may operate in intervals or during aportion of the operation of the first agitator 3042.

FIG. 38A shows food processing system 3020′ with attachment 3030″ havingan exemplary second agitator 3120. Similar to attachment 3030′ of FIG.37 , the attachment 3030″ incudes a body having a first open end 3034, asecond closed end 3036, and one or more sidewalls 3038 extending betweenthe first end 3034 and the second end 3036. The sidewalls 3038, incombination with one or more of the ends 3034 and 3036 of the container3032, define a hollow interior or processing chamber 3040 of thecontainer 3032. Similarly, the attachment 3030″ includes a firstagitator 3042, having a cutting assembly, configured to removably coupleto the first open end 3034 of the container 3032 to seal the processingchamber 3040. In the illustrated implementation, the cutting assembly3042 includes a body 3044 and one or more blades 3046 rotatable about anX axis relative to the body 3044. When the cutting assembly 3042 isconnected to the end 3034 of the container 3032, the first agitator3042, including the least one blade 3046, is disposed within theprocessing chamber 3040 of the container 3032.

As shown in FIGS. 38A-38B, the attachment 3030″ includes a secondagitator 3120 which is flexible and extendable through the containerbody 3032 through the first end 3034. The second agitator 3120 has adrive assembly and/or shaft 3124 through which it is connectable to thebase 3022 of the food processing system 3020′. The first agitator 3042and the second agitator 3120 are connected to each other and, as aresult, both are connected to the base 3022 to enable their operationvia the motorized unit (explained in relation to FIG. 35 ) of the foodprocessing system 3020′ (not shown). The drive/shaft 3124 may have alength approximately the same as the length of the container body 3032.In some configurations, the length of the drive/shaft 3120 is less thanthe length of the container body 3032. The second agitator 3120 mayinclude one paddle 3125 which rotates during at least a part of theoperation of the first agitator and/or cutting assembly 3042 to removefood from the sidewall 3038. As a result, the food moves toward thecenter of the chamber 3040 and cutting assembly 3042 to be processed andachieving more uniform processed food. As stated above in connection toFIG. 37 , the paddle 3125 may extend along the sidewall 3038 and have avery small distance from the sidewall 3038. In some configurations, thepaddle 3125 may contact the sidewall 3038.

FIG. 39 illustrates an attachment 3030′″ with a second agitator 3130.The attachment 3030′″ is similar to attachments 3030, 3030′, and 3030″meaning that is has a similar container body 3032 and first agitator3042. The second agitator 3130 of the attachment 3030′″ is connected tothe base 3022 and to the first agitator 3042 at the first end 3034 by anattachment 3134 to enable the motorized unit of the food processingsystem 3020 to rotate both first agitator 3042 and second agitator 3130.As shown in FIG. 39 , the second agitator 3130 is extendable through thecontainer body 3032 and includes a spiral structure 3132. The secondagitator 3130 may be configured in various lengths. For example, it maybe in any range as small as ¼ of the length of the container body 3032up to the length of the container body 3032. The spiral structure 3132of the second agitator 3130 assists in removing at least a portion of afood attached to the sidewall 3038 by providing a turbulent flow of foodmaterials in the container body 3032 during operation of the foodprocessing system 3020. In some implementations, the second agitator3130 is configured to stir food during the operation of the foodprocessing system 3020.

As shown in FIG. 39 , the second agitator 3130 may have three differentsections, a first portion 3136 close to the first end 3034, a middleportion 3138 having the spiral structure 3132, and a third portion 3139close to the second end 3036. In some configurations, the secondagitator 3130 includes a spiral structure which extends from near firstend 3034 to near second end 3036. In some implementations, the spiralstructure 3132 has a larger diameter near the first end 3034 and smallerdiameter near the second end 3036. Further, a diameter of the spiralstructure 3132 may increase from the first end 3034 as it extends towardthe second end 3036. In other implementations, a diameter of the spiralstructure 3132 may decrease from the first end 3034 as it extends towardthe second end 3036. Examples of various configurations of a secondagitating member 3130 are illustrated in FIGS. 40A-40C. As shown, thesecond agitator 3130 may have any spiral or helical structure with anysuitable length in order to produce turbulent flow during the operationof the food processing system 3020 to remove stuck food from thesidewall 3038 and/or stir food in chamber 3040 while the cuttingassembly 3042 operates. This result to a more uniform processed food.

All references, including publications, patent applications, and patentscited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent asif each reference were individually and specifically indicated to beincorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein.

The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in thecontext of describing the invention (especially in the context of thefollowing claims) is to be construed to cover both the singular and theplural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted bycontext. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing”are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, butnot limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of valuesherein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referringindividually to each separate value falling within the range, unlessotherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated intothe specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methodsdescribed herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwiseindicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The useof any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”)provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the inventionand does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unlessotherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construedas indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice ofthe invention.

Elements or steps of different implementations described may be combinedto form other implementations not specifically set forth previously.Elements or steps may be left out of the systems or processes describedpreviously without adversely affecting their operation or the operationof the system in general. Furthermore, various separate elements orsteps may be combined into one or more individual elements or steps toperform the functions described in this specification.

Other implementations not specifically described in this specificationare also within the scope of the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An attachment for use with a food processingsystem, comprising: a container body having a sidewall, a first endconfigured to be mounted to a food processing base, and a second endremote from the first end, the first end being open and the second endincluding an end wall oriented transverse to the sidewall to make aunitary structure; a first agitator including one or more blades andreceivable at the first end; a second agitator receivable at the secondend, wherein the second agitator is extendable into the chamber throughthe second end; and an electric motor operably coupled to the secondagitator such that the second agitator rotates in response to rotationof the electric motor, wherein the electric motor rotates in a firstdirection during a first period of operation of the food processingsystem and rotates in a second direction opposite the first directionduring a second period of operation of the food processing system. 2.The attachment of claim 1, wherein the electric motor is locatedexterior of the container body.
 3. The attachment of claim 2, whereinthe electric motor is coupled to the second agitator via a drive shaft,a portion of the second agitator being positioned within the chamber. 4.The attachment of claim 1, wherein the one rotation of the electricmotor corresponds to one rotation of the second agitator.
 5. Theattachment of claim 1, wherein the electric motor is coupled to thesecond agitator via a plurality of gears.
 6. The attachment of claim 5,wherein the plurality of gears enable one rotation of the electric motorto correspond to less than one rotation of the second agitating member.7. The attachment of claim 1, wherein the plurality of gears enable onerotation of the electric motor to correspond to more than one rotationof the second agitating member.
 8. The attachment of claim 3, whereinthe drive shaft of the electric motor includes at least one toothengaged with a lock.
 9. The attachment of claim 1, wherein the secondend is closed to the surrounding environment by the device.
 10. Anattachment for use with a food processing system, comprising: acontainer body having a sidewall, a first end configured to be mountedto a food processing base, and a second end remote from the first end,the first end being open and the second end being at least partiallyclosed; a first agitator including one or more blades and receivable atthe first end; and a vibrator in contact with the container body andconfigured to vibrate the container body at least during a part of anoperation of the food processing system.
 11. The attachment of claim 10,wherein the vibrator includes a sonic vibrator.
 12. The attachment ofclaim 11, wherein the vibrator includes a piezo electric crystal. 13.The attachment of claim 10, wherein the vibrator is located on thesidewall.
 14. The attachment of claim 10, wherein the vibrator islocated at the second end exterior of the container body.
 15. Theattachment of claim 10, wherein the vibrator includes an eccentricrotating mass (ERM) actuator.
 16. The attachment of claim 10, whereinthe vibrator is connected to the food processing base.
 17. An attachmentfor use with a food processing system, comprising: a container bodyhaving a sidewall, a first end configured to be mounted to a foodprocessing base, and a second end remote from the first end, the firstend being open and the second end being at least partially closed andincluding an end wall oriented transverse to the sidewall to make aunitary structure; a first agitator including one or more blades andreceivable at the first end, the first agitator arranged to rotate in afirst direction; a second agitator receivable at the second end; arotatable shaft coupled to the first agitator and arranged to rotate inthe first direction; and a mainspring operably coupled to the shaft andthe second agitator, wherein the mainspring is rotated in the firstdirection into a compressed configuration in response to the rotation ofthe shaft in the first direction, and wherein the mainspring rotates ina second direction opposite the first direction and unwinds toward adecompressed configuration after the shaft stops rotating in the firstdirection to, thereby, rotate the second agitator in the seconddirection.
 18. The attachment of claim 17, wherein the mainspringresides within a spring housing adjacent to the second agitator.
 19. Theattachment of claim 18, wherein the spring housing is integrally formedwith a portion of the second agitator.
 20. The attachment of claim 18,wherein the spring housing is detachably connectable to the secondagitator.
 21. The attachment of claim 17, wherein the mainspring isconnected to the shaft via a slipping clutch.
 22. The attachment ofclaim 21, wherein the slipping clutch includes a bridle ring.
 23. Theattachment of claim 17, wherein the shaft operably couples the firstagitator to the second agitator.